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Welcome to Day 2819 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. Putnam Church Message – 02/15/2026 Luke's Account of the Good News - “What It's Like to Fish With Jesus.”    Last week, we continued our study of the ministry of Jesus Christ with a message titled “Ministry at the Grassroots Level,” where we learned what true ministry included. Today, we continue with the twelfth message in Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ in a message titled “What It's Like to Fish With Jesus.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 5:1-11, found on page 1597 of your Pew Bibles. Follow along as I read. Introduction: When You've Fished All Night and Caught Nothing There are moments in life when effort and outcome simply don't line up. You did everything right. / You prepared. / You stayed up late. / You worked hard. You relied on your experience and training.  / And still—nothing. That's where Luke places us at the beginning of chapter five. Not at the height of excitement. Not at a revival service. Not at a mountaintop moment. But at the shoreline…early in the morning…with tired, smelly men washing empty nets. Luke has already shown us Jesus preaching with authority, confronting evil, healing the sick, and drawing crowds. But now, the story slows down. The camera zooms in. And instead of crowds, we find fishermen—ordinary men—at the end of a long, disappointing night. This is not accidental. Because this is where discipleship begins. Main Point 1: Jesus Meets Us in the Weariness of Our Ordinary Work (Luke 5:1–3) “One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.” (Luke 5:1–2, NLT) The Scene Luke Wants Us to See Luke is a careful storyteller. He wants us to notice details. It's morning. The fishermen are done. The nets are empty. The boats are idle. These men—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—are not amateurs. Fishing is their livelihood. Their families depend on it. Their reputations are tied to it. In the first century, fishing on the Sea of Galilee was serious business. Night fishing was the norm because fish stayed near the surface in cooler temperatures. To come back empty after an entire night wasn't just frustrating—it was financially dangerous. And now, exhausted and discouraged, they are washing nets they barely used. That's when Jesus steps into the picture. Not with fireworks. Not with angels. Not with thunder. But by asking for a boat. Jesus Steps into Simon's Boat “Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.” (Luke 5:3, NLT) Jesus doesn't interrupt their work to scold them. He doesn't explain anything. He doesn't promise a miracle. He simply asks Simon to let Him use what he already has. A boat. A place of work. A familiar setting. Object Lesson #1: The Boat Hold up my iPhone: “This boat and my iPhone represent the ordinary places of our lives—our work, our routines, our responsibilities. Jesus doesn't wait for us to be rested, inspired, or successful. He steps right into the middle of our exhaustion.” Simon's boat had just failed him as a fishing platform. But it becomes a pulpit for the Son of God. What Simon thought was an instrument of disappointment became a platform for divine teaching. Ancient Perspective: God Has Always Worked This Way This moment fits a familiar biblical pattern. God met Moses while he was tending sheep (Exodus 3). God called Gideon while he was hiding in a winepress (Judges 6). God spoke to Elijah not in fire or wind, but in a whisper (1 Kings 19). God consistently enters lives at the point of ordinary obedience—not spiritual readiness. The fishermen weren't praying. They weren't seeking guidance. They weren't expecting a call. They were cleaning up after failure. Modern Analogy: The Office, the Kitchen, the Garage Most people don't encounter God in dramatic settings. They encounter Him: At a desk, staring at an unfinished project. At a kitchen sink, washing dishes again. In a hospital hallway, waiting for news. In a garage, fixing something broken—again. Jesus still steps into boats like that. And often, He does not explain what He's about to do. He simply asks, “Can I use this?” Why This Matters Simon lets Jesus use the boat—but notice something important. / Simon is still tired. / Still discouraged. / Still empty-handed. Yet he makes space for Jesus anyway. / That's the first step of discipleship. / Not confidence. / Not clarity. / But availability. Summary of Main Point 1 Jesus does not wait for us to be strong before calling us. He does not require success before involvement. He meets us in weariness and uses what feels inadequate. Discipleship begins when we allow Jesus into the ordinary places of our lives—especially when we are tired, discouraged, and empty-handed. __________________________________________________________________ Main Point 2 - When Jesus Asks Us to Try Again Where We Already Failed (Luke 5:4–7) The Most Irritating Command Jesus Could Have Given “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.'” (Luke 5:4, NLT) This is the moment where the story shifts from calm to uncomfortable. / Up to now, Simon has been polite. / He let Jesus use the boat. / He listened while cleaning nets. / He stayed out of the way. But now Jesus crosses a line. / Jesus stops preaching…turns to a professional fisherman… and tells him how to do his job. / Not only that—Jesus tells him to do it wrong. / Fish at the wrong time. / In the wrong place. / After the wrong result. And not just a net— “let down your nets.” Plural. Simon's Response: Respectful, Honest, and Reluctant “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again.” (Luke 5:5, NLT) This may be one of the most relatable verses in all of Scripture.  / Simon doesn't argue—but he doesn't pretend either. / You can almost hear the tone: “Jesus… I respect You.  / But just so we're clear— we already tried this.” / This is not blind enthusiasm. / This is exhausted obedience. / And that's important. Ancient Perspective: This Was a Professional Embarrassment In first-century Jewish culture, /skill and experience mattered deeply. A craftsman's honor was tied to competence. Simon wasn't just tired—his identity was wrapped up in his ability to provide. Fishing again wasn't just inconvenient. / It risked public humiliation. / Crowds were watching. / Other fishermen were nearby. / Everyone could see empty nets. Failure in private is painful. / Failure in public is devastating. / And Jesus tells Simon to go back into the very waters that already told him “no.” Object Lesson #2: The Empty Net Hold up an empty net— “This net represents the places where we already tried: The prayers we prayed. / The efforts we made. / The conversations we had. / And nothing happened.” / Jesus doesn't ask Simon to fish somewhere new. / He sends him back to the place of disappointment. Why Jesus Does This Because dependence cannot grow where confidence still reigns. / As long as Simon believed success came from his experience, strength, and strategy, he could never learn what it meant to follow Jesus. Jesus isn't testing Simon's fishing ability. He's testing his trust. The Miracle Happens Suddenly—and Overwhelmingly “And this time their nets were so full of fish they...

Welcome to Day 2814 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2814 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Each Tuesday, I will share the messages I have delivered at Putnam Congregational Church this year. This is the eleventh message in a year-long series covering the Good News as narrated by Luke. Today's message covers Luke four verses thirty-one through forty-four and is titled “Ministry at the Grassroots Level” . I pray it will be a conduit for learning and encouragement for you. Putnam Church Message – 02/08/2026 Luke's Account of the Good News - “Ministry at the Grassroots Level.”    Last week, we began our study of the ministry of Jesus Christ with a message titled “Into the Fire,” where we learned that the Road to Calvary began in Nazareth. Today, we continue with the eleventh message in Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ in a message titled “Ministry at the Grassroots Level.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 4:31-44, found on page 1597 of your Pew Bibles. Follow along as I read. SCRIPTURE READING — Luke 4:31-44 (NIV) Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit 31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. 36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Jesus Heals Many 38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39 So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. 40 At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 41 Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. 42 At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 44 And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.   Opening Prayer Lord God, as we open Your Word today, we ask that You would do more than inform our minds. Shape our hearts. Correct our assumptions. And show us what faithful ministry really looks like— not from a distance, but right in the middle of ordinary life.  Give us ears to hear, hearts to obey, and courage to follow where Jesus leads. In His name we pray. Amen. Introduction: Learning by Watching the Master I was not a great student, especially in grade school and high school. In college, I buckled down somewhat and did okay, grade-wise, even while working two part-time jobs to pay for school.  But when I look back, the moments that shaped me most weren't lectures—they were moments of watching someone who really knew what they were doing. I learn best by observing an expert. I need a mentor, not just a teacher. I even find that hands-on YouTube videos are extremely helpful, much more than a manual or set of instructions. Someone who doesn't just explain the theory but shows me how it works in real life. That's exactly what Luke gives us in Luke 4:31–44. This passage is the third part of Luke's introduction to Jesus' public ministry: First, Luke summarized Jesus' growing influence (4:14–15) Then he showed us the scope of Jesus' mission in Nazareth—saving those who want a Savior (4:16–30) And now, here in Capernaum, Luke shows us how Jesus actually did ministry. Not from a platform. Not from a palace. Not from the center of religious power. But at ground level, among real people with real problems. Main Point 1: Jesus Taught with Authority Where Life Was Actually Lived Luke 4:31–32 “Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. There, too, the people were amazed at His teaching, because He spoke with authority.” (NLT) Jesus leaves Nazareth behind and travels downhill—literally and figuratively. Nazareth sat high in the hills. Capernaum sat along the Sea of Galilee, nearly 2,000 feet lower. Luke wants us to notice that while Jesus went down in elevation, His ministry went up in influence. Capernaum wasn't glamorous, but it was strategic: A fishing town, /A trade hub, /A place where ordinary people lived and worked. /And there, Jesus taught. What Made His Teaching Different? Luke tells us the people were “amazed” because Jesus taught with authority — exousia. That word doesn't mean volume. / It doesn't mean charisma. / It doesn't mean clever arguments. / It means as someone who has the right to speak. Most rabbis taught by quoting other rabbis: “Rabbi so-and-so says… but Rabbi such-and-such disagrees…” Jesus didn't do that. /He didn't borrow authority. /He didn't hide behind tradition. /He didn't perform. / He spoke directly from the Word of God, as someone who knew it from the inside out. / Not just because He was divine—but because He lived what He taught. Object Lesson: The Difference Between a Map and a Guide Imagine preparing to hike a difficult trail that you have never seen before. One ranger hands you a map and says, “Good luck.” Another ranger comes alongside you and says, “Follow me—I've hiked this trail before and know it well.” Jesus didn't just give people information. He invited them to follow Him.  That's why His teaching carried weight. Ancient Context → Modern Parallel In Jesus' day, people were tired of religious talk that didn't touch real life. In our day, people are tired of: Empty slogans / Shallow answers / Advice that sounds good but doesn't work on Monday morning. What people hunger for—then and now—is truth that meets them where they live. Jesus didn't water down the truth. But He delivered it in a way people could grasp and trust. Supporting Scripture Matthew 7:28–29 — “He taught as one who had authority.” James 1:22 — “Do not merely listen… do what it says.” John 7:46 — “No one ever spoke the way this man does.” Summary of Main Point 1 Jesus' ministry didn't begin with miracles. It began with truth spoken clearly, lived consistently, and offered humbly.  Authority in ministry is not about position. It is about faithfulness to God's Word and alignment with God's heart.

This midweek prayer is an invitation to pause and return to Jesus, the Light of the World. This short midweek prayer invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and refocus your heart and mind on Jesus, who says, “I am the light of the world.” Drawing from John 8:12, this prayer creates space to name the places that feel dark, confusing, or hidden—both in the world around us and in our own lives. In Scripture, light is a sign of God’s goodness, presence, and life. Jesus tells us that when we follow Him, we do not have to walk in darkness, because His light leads to life. This prayer invites you to ask Jesus to be light in the places you’re carrying—and to listen for how He may be inviting you to reflect His light through the way you love and live. Take a few quiet minutes to refocus your heart on Jesus and pray along as you seek His light in and through your life. Download your FREE Companion Journal Here I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus This journal includes:• Each week’s Scripture passage• Reflection prompts from the meditations• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Jodie:http://www.jodieniznik.com Follow on Instagram:@jodieniznik Follow on Facebook:@JodieGNiznik Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:https://www.lifeaudio.com Today’s Scripture John 8:12 (NLT) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said,“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness,because you will have the light that leads to life.” Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q041HkRL0 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mark 10:1 (NLT) - “Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them.” Mark 6:34 (NLT) - “Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Have you ever noticed that one of the most common titles given to Jesus in Scripture is Rabbi or Rabboni, meaning Teacher? People did not primarily call Him Healer or Miracle Worker. They called Him Teacher because that is what He spent most of His time doing. As we see throughout the Book of Mark, Jesus' usual response to crowds was teaching. He understood something often forgotten today: if you truly want to help people, you teach them. You do not control them, make decisions for them, or simply entertain them. Teaching equips people to live. When Jesus saw the crowds and felt compassion, His compassion took a clear form. He taught them. Jesus was not into small talk or simply “hanging out.” When He opened His mouth, He had something meaningful to say. That is why people called Him Teacher. He cared for people by teaching them truth that could change their lives. ---- Discover fundamental truths and the power of Scripture with Pastor David E. Sumrall on Daily Devotions. Pastor Sumrall serves as the Undershepherd of the Cathedral of Praise, a Christian church dedicated to Jesus and His Word, with campuses across Metro Manila and branches around the world.   Don't forget to like, subscribe to Cathedral of Praise TV https://www.youtube.com/c/cathedralofpraiseTV/?sub_confirmation=1,and hit the bell icon 

In this second meditation in our Lent series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus’s words in John 8:12:“I am the light of the world.” Jesus makes this declaration during the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration that remembered how God guided His people through the wilderness with a pillar of fire—a visible light in the darkness. When Jesus speaks these words, He is doing more than offering comfort or guidance. He is revealing who He is: the very presence of God, now shining with and among His people. Light is something we often don’t notice until it’s missing. When life feels confusing, when the path ahead is unclear, or when the weight of the world feels heavy, darkness can feel overwhelming. Jesus’s words meet us right here—not as a distant light shining from above, but as a light who walks with us and leads us toward life. This guided Scripture meditation invites you to reflect on Jesus’s words in two ways. First, you’ll be guided to notice areas in your own life that may feel hidden, uncertain, or shadowed. Then, you’ll turn your attention outward, holding the places in our world where it feels like darkness is winning and listening for the hope Jesus offers there as well. Through several slow readings of John 8:12, you will be guided to listen, reflect, respond, and rest—allowing the truth of Jesus as the Light of the World to shape how you see your life and the world around you. Lent reminds us that we do not have to figure everything out on our own. We are invited to follow the Light, one faithful step at a time. Download your FREE Companion Journal Here I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus This journal includes:• Each week’s Scripture passage• Reflection prompts from the meditations• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Jodie:http://www.jodieniznik.com Follow on Instagram:@jodieniznik Follow on Facebook:@JodieGNiznik Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:https://www.lifeaudio.com Today’s ScriptureJohn 8:12 (NLT) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said,“I am the light of the world.If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness,because you will have the light that leads to life.” If you are helped by these meditations, consider sharing them with a friend or leaving a review. Simple acts like these help create space for more people to slow down and listen. Thank you for joining me on So Much More.We really do believe Jesus has so much more to say to us—and this is one way we are creating space to listen. Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q041HkRL0 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We're Still Learning Pt. 4 | February 22, 2026Pastor Wes Morris Mark 3:1-6 (NLT) Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man's hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn't answer him.He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.✓ HARD HEARTS VALUE BEING RIGHT OVER BEING LOVING.I Corinthians 8:1 (TLB) Next is your question about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols. On this question everyone feels that only his answer is the right one! But although being a “know-it-all” makes us feel important, what is really needed to build the church is love.I Corinthians 13:2 (NIV) If I have all knowledge...but do not have love, I am nothing.✓ HARD HEARTS WITHHOLD COMPASSION TO STAY IN CONTROL.Mark 3:4 (NIV) Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.✓ HARD HEARTS ALLOW SILENCE TO TURN INTO SEPARATION.Mark 3:6 (NLT) At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.When compassion is withheld, resentment grows.When conversations are avoided, conclusions are assumed.What goes unspoken eventually becomes destructive.Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE JESUS1. OPENNESS: GOD, I ASK YOU TO SEARCH MY HEART.Psalms 139:23–24 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”Q: Where do I need God to soften me - not fix someone else?2. HUMILITY: GOD, I REPENT HONESTLY AND QUICKLY.James 5:16 (NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.Q: Where has pride or defensiveness kept my heart from being open?3. LOVE: GOD, HELP ME LOVE PEOPLE THE WAY YOU LOVE THEM.John 13:34–35 (NIV) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.Q: What would loving like Jesus look like in my relationships this week?

Jesus is still saying what He said 2,000 years ago: "Follow Me." And He doesn't mean only on Sundays, but every day. Pastor Greg Laurie shares how we can put Jesus first in our lives and move away from things that pull us down. Notes: Luke 5 Social media is stealing hours you can never get back. The algorithm is designed to capture your attention and never let go- Who or what are you following? You will become like the people you follow.You will reflect their values, or lack thereof. It’s time to follow Jesus. Social media influencers want your attention.Jesus wants your heart. Jesus is here for you.He says, “Follow Me.” The bible challenges you to check on yourself. Are you really a Christian? Or are you just pretending to be one? (2 Corinthians 13:5) Acts 11:26 (NLT)It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. To call the believers Christians was a mockery.It meant “little Christs.” Matthew 7:22 (NKJV)“Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” Matthew 7:23 (NKJV)And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” John 14:15 (NKJV)If you love Me, keep My commandments. Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Read Luke 5:27–32 Luke 5:28 (NLT)So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. Why did Matthew change so quickly? Jesus simply looked at him and said two words, "Follow Me.” Luke 5:31 (NLT)Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do.” God will come to us in a way we can understand. To the military man Joshua, Jesus came as a general.To the combative Jacob, He came as a wrestler.To the astrologers, the Wisemen, through a star in the heavens. Psalm 18:25 (NIV)To the faithful you show yourself faithful,to the blameless you show yourself blameless, Psalm 18:26 (NIV)to the pure you show yourself pure,but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. If you are drowning in guilt and shame,Jesus offers you forgiveness and relief. If you feel like you don’t belong,Jesus makes room at His table. God does not turn people away because of who they are.He comes to them because of it. Luke 5:27Later, as Jesus left the town, He saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector's booth and said, "Follow Me.” Tax collectors collected exorbitant taxes from each person daily.Often, they skimmed off the top or charged more than was required and pocketed the profit. Matthew was considered a traitor, a turncoat, a backslider, and a collaborator with Rome. The people who put up the biggest fight are often closer than those who don’t fight at all. Jesus knew that Matthew wanted a relationship with God.Jeremiah 29:13 Matthew couldn't bring himself to leave that tax booth and go to Jesus. Most non-Christians say they have never had a Christian explain the gospel clearly. The word used for saw, means to gaze intently upon, to stare, to fix one's eyes constantly upon an object. 1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Matthew bolted at the chance to follow and serve Jesus. “Follow Me” means to walk the same road. Following Jesus is not just something we do on Sunday. Jesus wants to be a part of everything you do and everywhere you go.Romans 13:14 How do we follow Jesus?Through prayer and Bible study. Start the day with the Bible.End the day with the Bible. Joshua 1:8 (NLT)Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. “Follow Me” also means to "Follow with Me," meaning companionship and friendship. Matthew happily jumped at the chance of a lifetime.Luke 5:27 Matthew knew the cost and willingly paid it. An old Scottish preacher called this “The expulsive power of a new affection.” When a person really meets Jesus Christ, they cannot leave the old life fast enough. Matthew lost a career but gained a destiny.He lost his material possessions but gained a spiritual fortune. Matthew was so excited that he decided to throw a party for Jesus.Luke 5:29 Jesus sees you for who you are, and He sees you for who you can be. The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation.” — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus is still saying what He said 2,000 years ago: "Follow Me." And He doesn't mean only on Sundays, but every day. Pastor Greg Laurie shares how we can put Jesus first in our lives and move away from things that pull us down. Notes: Luke 5 Social media is stealing hours you can never get back. The algorithm is designed to capture your attention and never let go- Who or what are you following? You will become like the people you follow.You will reflect their values, or lack thereof. It’s time to follow Jesus. Social media influencers want your attention.Jesus wants your heart. Jesus is here for you.He says, “Follow Me.” The bible challenges you to check on yourself. Are you really a Christian? Or are you just pretending to be one? (2 Corinthians 13:5) Acts 11:26 (NLT)It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. To call the believers Christians was a mockery.It meant “little Christs.” Matthew 7:22 (NKJV)“Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” Matthew 7:23 (NKJV)And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” John 14:15 (NKJV)If you love Me, keep My commandments. Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Read Luke 5:27–32 Luke 5:28 (NLT)So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. Why did Matthew change so quickly? Jesus simply looked at him and said two words, "Follow Me.” Luke 5:31 (NLT)Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do.” God will come to us in a way we can understand. To the military man Joshua, Jesus came as a general.To the combative Jacob, He came as a wrestler.To the astrologers, the Wisemen, through a star in the heavens. Psalm 18:25 (NIV)To the faithful you show yourself faithful,to the blameless you show yourself blameless, Psalm 18:26 (NIV)to the pure you show yourself pure,but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. If you are drowning in guilt and shame,Jesus offers you forgiveness and relief. If you feel like you don’t belong,Jesus makes room at His table. God does not turn people away because of who they are.He comes to them because of it. Luke 5:27Later, as Jesus left the town, He saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector's booth and said, "Follow Me.” Tax collectors collected exorbitant taxes from each person daily.Often, they skimmed off the top or charged more than was required and pocketed the profit. Matthew was considered a traitor, a turncoat, a backslider, and a collaborator with Rome. The people who put up the biggest fight are often closer than those who don’t fight at all. Jesus knew that Matthew wanted a relationship with God.Jeremiah 29:13 Matthew couldn't bring himself to leave that tax booth and go to Jesus. Most non-Christians say they have never had a Christian explain the gospel clearly. The word used for saw, means to gaze intently upon, to stare, to fix one's eyes constantly upon an object. 1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Matthew bolted at the chance to follow and serve Jesus. “Follow Me” means to walk the same road. Following Jesus is not just something we do on Sunday. Jesus wants to be a part of everything you do and everywhere you go.Romans 13:14 How do we follow Jesus?Through prayer and Bible study. Start the day with the Bible.End the day with the Bible. Joshua 1:8 (NLT)Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. “Follow Me” also means to "Follow with Me," meaning companionship and friendship. Matthew happily jumped at the chance of a lifetime.Luke 5:27 Matthew knew the cost and willingly paid it. An old Scottish preacher called this “The expulsive power of a new affection.” When a person really meets Jesus Christ, they cannot leave the old life fast enough. Matthew lost a career but gained a destiny.He lost his material possessions but gained a spiritual fortune. Matthew was so excited that he decided to throw a party for Jesus.Luke 5:29 Jesus sees you for who you are, and He sees you for who you can be. The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation.” — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advent // Joy The word for Joy is the Greek word “Chara - Khar-ah,” meaning calm delight or cheerfulness, or “Chairo - Khah-ee-ro,” meaning to be calmly happy or well-off. Philippians 4:4 (KJV)"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice." Matthew 2:1-18 (NLT)“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.' King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, ‘Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?' ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,' they said, ‘for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, ‘Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!' After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,' the angel said. ‘Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.' That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: ‘I called my Son out of Egypt.' Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men's report of the star's first appearance. Herod's brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: a cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”      On a day when we announce good news of great joy. It doesn't sound very joyful…It is because of the Nature of this Joy.This is a Joy that is Stronger and Deeper than our Sorrows; A Joy that Cannot be Quenched by the Tragedies of Life; A Joy that can Sustain those who Suffer Great Loss.A Joy that Shines in the Darkness... Whatever the circumstances of our world and our lives, the message given to Joseph by the angel is true, and it's a message of joy—“Give him the name Jesus, because He will save His People from Their sins.” The Joy of Christmas is not just the Joy of personal salvation; it's the Joy of being part of something bigger, grander, and greater—it's the Joy of being able to participate in and cooperate with Christ in the coming and establishing of God's kingdom. It's in our coming together, it's in our unity of heart and purpose, it's in our giving and serving, it's in our intentionality in the midst of our community.It's the Joy of living out of all that we are blessed with to be a blessing to others.It's the Joy of being a participant in the message of salvation to the world. Joy to the World

Hebrews 2v14 - "Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death." (NLT)Jesus was the promised MessiahJesus became a man that he might take our place and defeat deathHe is therefore the true Messiah and there is salvation in no one else

The Generous Life Pt. 2 | November 16, 2025Pastor Wes Morris Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.√  I NEED TO PROTECT MYSELF.Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.√  HAVING MORE WILL MAKE ME SECURE.Mark 10:21–22 (NLT) Jesus looked at him and loved him. “There is still one thing you haven't done,” he said. “Go and sell all your possessions…then come, follow me.” At this the man's face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”√  WHAT I HAVE DETERMINES WHO I AM.II Corinthians 8:1-2 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.A LIFE THAT OVERFLOWSI.  OPEN YOUR HEART TO HEALING.Luke 10:31-33 (NIV) A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.II.  PLACE YOUR SECURITY IN JESUS.Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.III. LIVE WITH ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.I Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV) Command them not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.NEXT STEPSWhere is God asking you to show courage this week so your life can overflow - in healing, in trust, or in living with an eternal perspective?

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:2 NLT) Jesus made it clear that prayer is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being. He prioritized prayer during His time on earth, and He expects us to prioritize it as well. That’s the first reason to pray. The second reason is found in James 4:2: “You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (NLT). Prayer is God’s appointed way for us to obtain things from Him. “You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” Have you ever considered that there are things God wants to do in your life that haven’t happened simply because you’ve failed to ask Him? Sometimes we make the mistake of viewing prayer as a last resort, the option to consider when nothing else works. If we’re struggling with a physical ailment, we try home remedies, doctors, prescriptions, and specialists. It’s only when the diagnosis turns bleak that we turn to God. Yet the Gospels are filled with stories of people who were healed because they reached out to Jesus. The same goes for financial problems. We exhaust every possible option for loans or guidance before we pray about the crisis. Even though the Bible promises, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NLT). Whether you’re struggling in your relationship, worrying about a prodigal child, dealing with mental health issues, or looking for answers, God wants to be involved. He wants to be your first call. Give the situation to Him in prayer and let Him guide you. Asking God for what you want is no guarantee that you will get it. And that’s a good thing. God sees the big picture. He understands that what seems like the best solution or course of action in the short term isn’t always best. So, when we ask Him for something, He can help us see the better alternative. Even if He doesn’t reveal His answer right away, you’ll feel a sense of relief and hope simply by involving Him. So, if there’s something you want from God, ask Him. Not just once or twice, but until you get an answer from Him. Reflection question: What are some things in your life that might fall into the category of “you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it”? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Then Jesus wept.” (John 11:35 NLT) Jesus arrived at the home of Martha and Mary four days after their brother Lazarus died. The mourners were consumed by grief. Jesus’ plan all along was to raise Lazarus from the dead—to demonstrate His power and give His followers hope in the resurrection. So, His reaction in John 11:35—the shortest verse in the Bible—is telling: “Then Jesus wept” (NLT). Jesus weeps with us in our time of pain. Jesus was God with all His power and glory. But He was also a man—a man who felt our pain and sorrows. Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (NLT). Hebrews 2:17–18 explains why. “Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested” (NLT). If something breaks your heart, it breaks His heart as well. But sadness wasn’t the only emotion He experienced. John 11:33 says, “When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled” (NLT). He wasn’t angry at the mourners; He was angry at death. Death and suffering are aberrations. They were not part of God’s original plan. They were part of the curse after mankind’s Fall. That’s what Jesus was angry about. Jesus demonstrated His power over death by bringing Lazarus back to life. And God was glorified. The obvious takeaway is that God is glorified when an affliction is removed. So, if you’re healed from an illness or declared cancer-free, praise Him for it. Celebrate the fact that He is ultimately in control. Sometimes, though, the surgery doesn’t go as hoped. Sometimes the illness isn’t healed. Sometimes the problem isn’t taken away. And here’s the not-so-obvious takeaway: God can be glorified through the enduring of an affliction as well. The apostle Paul wrote, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:3–5 NLT). Hope comes through hardship. When a Christian suffers and still glorifies God, it reassures others that there will never be a valley so deep that God will not get us through it. It also reminds us that physical death is not the end; it’s just a change in the state of existence. The tomb is the entrance to life. Heaven is the earthly life of the believer, glorified and perfected. When believers die, they go into God’s presence. That is the ultimate hope. Put your hope in God. He will never let you down. Reflection question: When have you seen God glorified by the endurance of an affliction? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This guided Christian meditation is an imaginative prayer on Luke 19:1–10. Together, we’ll pause for Scripture meditation and reflection, entering the story of Zacchaeus and experiencing the transforming love of Jesus. Step Eight of the 12 Steps says: We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. It’s not easy to admit the ways we’ve caused harm — especially when it feels easier to remember how others have hurt us. But this step invites us to own what’s ours, and to ask God for the willingness to make things right. In this meditation, we’ll reflect on the story of Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector. We’ll enter the scene through imaginative prayer — first as one of the townspeople and then as Zacchaeus himself. As you listen, you’ll be invited to ask God to guide you toward the next gentle step He is inviting you to take. Take a deep breath and join me in this amazing grace-filled story. Helpful Links:Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey here.This journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Additional links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Meditation Passage: Luke 19:1–10 (NLT) Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

SALVATION COMES FROM THE LORD Jonah 2.1-10 Jonah 2.1-10 (NLT) Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me! You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.' I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach. Jonah's story is our story. We've all run from God. Romans 3.23 (ESV)For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. James 3.2 (ESV)For we all stumble in many ways. We head toward something we think will fulfill us… • More money (the wealth-ship) • A relationship (the relation-ship) • Escapism: substances, entertainment, social media, or the next thrill (the cruise-ship of distraction) There are a lot of things God does — but He does not give up on us. And He does not pretend that our sin doesn't matter. He confronts, He disciplines, and he does it all with redemption in mind. Jonah realizes his only option is God. He can't swim out. He can't bargain his way out. He prays: “Salvation belongs to the Lord.” (v. 9) KEY TRUTHS: 1. Reject the self-salvation project. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” V.8 2. Trust that God can save. “Salvation comes from the Lord.” V.9 3. Trust that God has already made provision. “You brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God.” V.6 Acts 4.11-12 (NLT) Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘"The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone." There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4.12 (NLT)There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Maybe you feel overwhelmed today. The storm in your life is just too much. That's the Gospel. Storms are real. But Christ is stronger. Jonah's prayer didn't get him out of the fish instantly. But it aligned his heart with God. Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Sometimes He changes us in the middle of our circumstances. Either way… He saves.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

SALVATION COMES FROM THE LORD Jonah 2.1-10 Jonah 2.1-10 (NLT) Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me! You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.' I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach. Jonah's story is our story. We've all run from God. Romans 3.23 (ESV)For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. James 3.2 (ESV)For we all stumble in many ways. We head toward something we think will fulfill us… • More money (the wealth-ship) • A relationship (the relation-ship) • Escapism: substances, entertainment, social media, or the next thrill (the cruise-ship of distraction) There are a lot of things God does — but He does not give up on us. And He does not pretend that our sin doesn't matter. He confronts, He disciplines, and he does it all with redemption in mind. Jonah realizes his only option is God. He can't swim out. He can't bargain his way out. He prays: “Salvation belongs to the Lord.” (v. 9) KEY TRUTHS: 1. Reject the self-salvation project. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” V.8 2. Trust that God can save. “Salvation comes from the Lord.” V.9 3. Trust that God has already made provision. “You brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God.” V.6 Acts 4.11-12 (NLT) Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘"The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone." There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4.12 (NLT)There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Maybe you feel overwhelmed today. The storm in your life is just too much. That's the Gospel. Storms are real. But Christ is stronger. Jonah's prayer didn't get him out of the fish instantly. But it aligned his heart with God. Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Sometimes He changes us in the middle of our circumstances. Either way… He saves.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

September 28 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 34 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons “but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14 KJV “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”” John 4:14 NLT “But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.” John 4:14 AMPC “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40 KJV “For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”” John 6:40 NLT “For this is My Father's will and His purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day.” John 6:40 AMPC “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMPC “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12 KJV ““I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12 NLT “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.” John 14:12 AMPC “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23 KJV “Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” John 14:23 NLT “Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.” John 14:23 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

September 21 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 33 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 KJV “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT “Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).” Matthew 28:18-20 AMPC “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.” Mark 1:8 KJV “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”” Mark 1:8 NLT “I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:8 AMPC “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23 KJV ““What do you mean, ‘If I can'?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”” Mark 9:23 NLT “And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!” Mark 9:23 AMPC “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:23-24 KJV “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours.” Mark 11:23-24 NLT “Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].” Mark 11:23-24 AMPC “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 KJV “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” Luke 10:19 NLT “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” Luke 10:19 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

August 24 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 29 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 KJV “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand.” Colossians 3:1 NLT “IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [Ps. 110:1.]” Colossians 3:1 AMPC “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:3-4 KJV “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” Colossians 3:3-4 NLT “For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.” Colossians 3:3-4 AMPC “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”  2 Timothy 2:11-12 KJV “This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.” 2 Timothy 2:11-12 NLT “The saying is sure and worthy of confidence: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny and disown and reject Him, He will also deny and disown and reject us.” 2 Timothy 2:11-12 AMPC “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” John 6:57 KJV “I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me.” John 6:57 NLT “Just as the living Father sent Me and I live by (through, because of) the Father, even so whoever continues to feed on Me [whoever takes Me for his food and is nourished by Me] shall [in his turn] live through and because of Me.” John 6:57 AMPC “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 KJV “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NLT “Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.” John 14:6 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

PURPOSE, PROSPERITY & HEALING…THROUGH RIGHT THINKINGPsalms‬Psalm 100:5 (NKJV) - For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to allgenerations.1 Peter 2:24 (TNIV) - “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sinsand live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”If you don't know what GOD promised in His Word…will not experience these promisesProverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsTwo basic influences that shape our thinking…WORD OR WORLDGenesis 3:1 (NLT) - “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in thegarden?”Proverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsFather - "You're my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased." …Matthew 4:2–4 (NLT) - For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 Duringthat time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to becomeloaves of bread.”4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every wordthat comes from the mouth of God.'”Proverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsChoose to shape your thinking by the Word of GodRomans 12:2 (NLT) - Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform youinto a new person by changing the way you think (renewing of the mind). Then you will learn to knowGod's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.Mark 12:24 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don'tknow the power of God.Mark 12:24 (MSG) - Jesus said, “You're way off base, and here's why: One, you don't know yourBibles; two, you don't know how God works.Isaiah 5:13 (NKJV) - My people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge…John 8:30–32 (NKJV) - As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to thoseJews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall knowthe truth, and the truth shall make you free.”Abide – to remain…to stay/wait and expect something in the futureKnow - To understand…be familiar with… intimate relationshipRenewing our Mind with the Word of God …will release God's healing powerMark 5:27–28, 34 (NLT) - She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowdand touched his robe. 28 For she thought (kept thinking) to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I willbe healed.”34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”Before she heard about Jesus…sickness, pain, alienated from people, lonely, no moremoney…dominated her thoughtsAfter she heard about Jesus…decided to keep thinking… “I heard he heals everyone…if I touch hisgarment, I will be healedWe have to Change our Meditation….from thinking about the pain, symptoms, limitations,medical report…Instead…Meditate (keep thinking) on healing scripturesProverbs 4:20–22 (TPT) - Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and payattention to all that I have to say. 21 Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep intoyour spirit. 22 Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the verycore of your being.If the truth of God's Word doesn't change how you think… it won't change how you liveProverbs 23:7 (TPT) - For as he thinks within himself, so is he…Meditate on healing ScripturesExodus 15:26 (NLT) - I am the Lord who heals you.1 Peter 2:24 (TNIV) - “by his wounds you have been healed.”Psalms‬Jeremiah‬Romans‬Jeremiah 1:12 - I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.Luke 1:37 (TPT)- Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!

PURPOSE, PROSPERITY & HEALING…THROUGH RIGHT THINKINGPsalms‬Psalm 100:5 (NKJV) - For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to allgenerations.1 Peter 2:24 (TNIV) - “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sinsand live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”If you don't know what GOD promised in His Word…will not experience these promisesProverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsTwo basic influences that shape our thinking…WORD OR WORLDGenesis 3:1 (NLT) - “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in thegarden?”Proverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsFather - "You're my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased." …Matthew 4:2–4 (NLT) - For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 Duringthat time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to becomeloaves of bread.”4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every wordthat comes from the mouth of God.'”Proverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsChoose to shape your thinking by the Word of GodRomans 12:2 (NLT) - Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform youinto a new person by changing the way you think (renewing of the mind). Then you will learn to knowGod's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.Mark 12:24 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don'tknow the power of God.Mark 12:24 (MSG) - Jesus said, “You're way off base, and here's why: One, you don't know yourBibles; two, you don't know how God works.Isaiah 5:13 (NKJV) - My people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge…John 8:30–32 (NKJV) - As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to thoseJews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall knowthe truth, and the truth shall make you free.”Abide – to remain…to stay/wait and expect something in the futureKnow - To understand…be familiar with… intimate relationshipRenewing our Mind with the Word of God …will release God's healing powerMark 5:27–28, 34 (NLT) - She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowdand touched his robe. 28 For she thought (kept thinking) to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I willbe healed.”34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”Before she heard about Jesus…sickness, pain, alienated from people, lonely, no moremoney…dominated her thoughtsAfter she heard about Jesus…decided to keep thinking… “I heard he heals everyone…if I touch hisgarment, I will be healedWe have to Change our Meditation….from thinking about the pain, symptoms, limitations,medical report…Instead…Meditate (keep thinking) on healing scripturesProverbs 4:20–22 (TPT) - Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and payattention to all that I have to say. 21 Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep intoyour spirit. 22 Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the verycore of your being.If the truth of God's Word doesn't change how you think… it won't change how you liveProverbs 23:7 (TPT) - For as he thinks within himself, so is he…Meditate on healing ScripturesExodus 15:26 (NLT) - I am the Lord who heals you.1 Peter 2:24 (TNIV) - “by his wounds you have been healed.”Psalms‬Jeremiah‬Romans‬Jeremiah 1:12 - I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.Luke 1:37 (TPT)- Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places  //The Woman Caught in Adultery  John 8:1-11 (NLT)“Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. ‘Teacher,' they said to Jesus, ‘this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?' They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!' Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?' ‘No, Lord,' she said. And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more.'” Matthew 7:3-5 (NLT)"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."  Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Colossians 3:12-17 (NLT)“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Summer at Bay Chapel | July 20, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisHebrews 11:8-11 (TLB) Abraham trusted God, and when God told him to leave home and go far away to another land that he promised to give him, Abraham obeyed. Away he went, not even knowing where he was going. And even when he reached God's promised land, he lived in tents like a mere visitor as did Isaac and Jacob, to whom God gave the same promise. Abraham did this because he was confidently waiting for God to bring him to that strong heavenly city whose designer and builder is God.Sarah, too, had faith, and because of this she was able to become a mother in spite of her old age, for she realized that God, who gave her his promise, would certainly do what he said.  ✓ FAITH OBEYS BEFORE IT UNDERSTANDS.Hebrews 11:8 (NIV) Abraham obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.Luke 5:5 (NIV) “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again.” ✓ FAITH ENDURES THE IN-BETWEEN SEASONS.Hebrews 11:9 (TLB) And even when he reached God's promised land, he lived in tents like a mere visitor... ✓ FAITH HOLDS ON TO WHAT GOD HAS SAID, EVEN WHEN WE HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET.Hebrews 11:11 (NLT) It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.II Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) We walk by faith, not by sight.FAITH STEPSI. SAY “YES” TO ONE SMALL ACT OF OBEDIENCE. John 2:7-8 (NLT) Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.Psalm 119:60 (GNT) Without delay I hurry to obey your commands.What is one small act of obedience God is asking of me today?II. FOCUS ON WHAT GOD IS DOING, NOT WHAT I'M FEELING.Psalm 42:5 (NLT) Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!Faith is not a feeling. Faith is not a mood. Faith is a commitment to trust God's promises regardless of our emotions or circumstances.- Eugene PetersonIII. SPEAK GOD'S PROMISES OVER MY SITUATION.Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4 NLT) Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT). That’s known as the Great Commission. Chances are, you made your decision to follow Christ because of God’s working through a person (or persons) who took Jesus’ words to heart. You can make a difference in other people’s lives by taking His words to heart as well. When you do, you’ll find that some “nations”—or people—are harder to reach than others. Some of the hardest people to reach are those who are satisfied in life. They may not see their real spiritual condition because they have everything else in order. That’s why I think it’s a mistake when we share the gospel merely to appeal to unhappy, lonely, empty individuals. The reality is that not everyone is unhappy, empty, or lonely at every given moment. Many people have frequent bursts of happiness. Their lives are often going well. So if we say to them, “Jesus can help you be happy,” they’re likely to reply, “I don’t need Him. I’m already happy.” And if we say, “Jesus can take away your emptiness,” they’re likely to say, “There’s nothing for Him to take away. I don’t really feel any emptiness.” When we talk to other people about Christ, we need to recognize that there’s more at stake than mere happiness. So we must go beyond that message to the deepest need of all. That is, the need for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus did not die on the cross to make us happy. He died to save us from sin and death. Look at the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 above. Or in Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (NLT). Or the apostle John’s words in 1 John 2:2: “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world” (NLT). And, of course, in John 3:16: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT). The need for salvation and eternal life is true of every person at every moment in time. There is no unbeliever who doesn’t need to hear the gospel message. The more powerfully you make that message resonate with someone, the greater impact it will have. Learning to make the gospel resonate is one of the keys to spiritual growth. Reflection question: How can you talk to someone about Christ in a way that meets a very real need in that person’s life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

STAY IN TRUTH AND WIN!2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) - if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and prayand seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive theirsin and heal their land.Hebrews 3:19 (GNB) – We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land (promise land),because they did not believe.Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do notdeviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everythingyou do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure toobey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.Joshua 1:7–8 (NLT)1 - Be strong and very courageous –2 - Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either tothe right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book ofInstruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.3 - Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do –Joshua – there's one thing must fix before u can enter promise-land……centered in Word of GodJeremiah 1:12 AMP – “I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.”Deuteronomy 8:3 (NLT) - He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we liveby every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.Hebrews 2:1 (TPT) - it is so crucial that we be all the more engaged and attentive to the truths that wehave heard so that we do not drift off course.Matthew 22:29 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and youdon't know the power of God.As Christian's we can prosper & succeed in all we do…and help bring peace to all theconfusion in our nation….When we are centered in the truth of God's Word.

STAY IN TRUTH AND WIN!2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) - if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and prayand seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive theirsin and heal their land.Hebrews 3:19 (GNB) – We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land (promise land),because they did not believe.Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do notdeviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everythingyou do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure toobey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.Joshua 1:7–8 (NLT)1 - Be strong and very courageous –2 - Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either tothe right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book ofInstruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.3 - Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do –Joshua – there's one thing must fix before u can enter promise-land……centered in Word of GodJeremiah 1:12 AMP – “I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.”Deuteronomy 8:3 (NLT) - He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we liveby every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.Hebrews 2:1 (TPT) - it is so crucial that we be all the more engaged and attentive to the truths that wehave heard so that we do not drift off course.Matthew 22:29 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and youdon't know the power of God.As Christian's we can prosper & succeed in all we do…and help bring peace to all theconfusion in our nation….When we are centered in the truth of God's Word.

The Bread of Life | May 25, 2025Pastor Wes Morris John 6:24-35 (NLT) So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you…They replied, “We want to perform God's works, too. What should we do?” Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'”Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.  √  IT'S POSSIBLE TO BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AND HAVE THE WRONG HEART.John 6:26 (NLT) Jesus replied, “The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.Isaiah 29:13 (NIV) These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.I Samuel 16:7 (NIV) Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. You're at peace even if no one notices.You obey God even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.You serve without needing applause or affirmation.You can celebrate others without comparison or jealousy. √ WE FIND OUR DEEPEST SATISFACTION NOT IN WHAT GOD GIVES, BUT IN TRUSTING WHO HE IS.John 6:29 (NLT) Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”Exodus 33:12-15 (NLT) Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me...14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”√ THE GREATEST GIFT GOD GIVES US IS HIMSELF.John 6:35 (NLT) I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. THE BREAD OF LIFEI. I CHOOSE GOD‘S WORD OVER THE WORLD'S WAYS.Matthew 4:3-4 (NLT) During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”II. I CHOOSE SURRENDER OVER STRIVING.Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.III. I CHOOSE LASTING PEACE IN HIS PRESENCE.Isaiah 26:3

“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” (Acts 2:41 NLT) Jesus’ followers experienced a profound change after His resurrection. Jesus had conquered sin and death forever. He had already won the war against humankind’s two greatest enemies. So His followers were emboldened to fight the battles against those who opposed Jesus’ work. They literally had nothing to fear any longer. We can see the evidence of their newfound boldness in the events that took place during the celebration of Pentecost at the temple in Jerusalem about ten days after Jesus returned to Heaven. Pentecost (which is also known as Shavuot) is a major Jewish festival. In the first century AD, people traveled from foreign lands to celebrate it at the Jerusalem temple, the center of Jewish worship. Jesus’ followers were also in Jerusalem at the time. About 120 of them had continued to meet since Jesus’ departure. According to Acts 2:1–4, a roaring wind suddenly swept through their meeting place. Small flames appeared and rested on each of them. The Holy Spirit filled them, and they began to speak in languages they didn’t know. A large crowd rushed in to investigate the commotion. Foreign visitors to the city were stunned to hear stories about the wonderful things God had done being spoken in their native languages by uneducated Galileans. Peter seized the moment. The disciple who, just a short time earlier, had been too scared even to identify himself with Jesus, boldly stepped forward and explained that the people were witnessing the fulfillment of a prophecy God had made hundreds of years earlier, as recorded in Joel 2:28–32. God had promised to pour out His Spirit on all people, and now the Spirit had arrived. Peter then launched into an impromptu sermon. He reminded people of the miracles Jesus had performed. He pointed to those miracles, as well as to Jesus’ death and resurrection, to show them that Jesus had carried out God’s plan of salvation. Peter quoted the prophetic words King David wrote about Jesus hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth. And then he identified Jesus as the long-promised Lord and Messiah. Peter urged the people to repent and be baptized so that they, too, would be filled with the Holy Spirit. His words had a powerful impact. Acts 2:42 says that about three thousand people believed in Jesus that day. With one bold push, Peter and the others started the snowball rolling downhill. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they established the church and began to fulfill the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations. The world would never be the same. The same Holy Spirit who gave wisdom, strength, and boldness to Peter and the others fills everyone who believes in Jesus today. His power is always available to us. He equips us to step out of our comfort zone, to reach across the invisible lines that separate us from others, and to boldly share the Good News of Jesus. Reflection question: What specifically can the Holy Spirit equip you to do? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EASTER | April 20, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisLuke 24:1-7 (NLT) But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”√ GOD'S DELAYS ARE NOT HIS DENIALS. John 11:4-6 (NLT) When Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus,  he stayed where he was for the next two days.√ GOD RESPONDS TO OUR REAL AND RAW FAITH. John 11:20-22 (NLT) When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died."√ GOD'S PLAN IS ALWAYS BEST.John 11:35-44 (NLT) Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn't he have kept Lazarus from dying?”Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb...“Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man's sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”43-44 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.FROM DEATH TO LIFEI. RECEIVE NEW MERCY FOR MY MISTAKES.Psalm 51:10 (NIV) Create a new, clean heart within me. Fill me with pure thoughts and holy desires, ready to please you.Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved! II. RECEIVE NEW LIFE AND FREEDOM IN CHRIST.Romans 6:4-5 (NIV) We were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.John 11:25-26 (NLT) Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this?”

This is the day everything changed. We celebrate Easter not just to recall a moment, but to remember a mystery: that even death couldn't stop God's plans. in this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares that the resurrection is not just a nice story—it's the unstoppable truth that redefines reality.  Why is the resurrection such a big deal?Christians talk about the cross a lot, but the empty grave is the key to our faith.Romans 6:8-9 MSG When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us.If the cross is Jesus' death for me, the empty grave is Jesus' life for me.If the cross gets me into heaven, the empty grave gets heaven into me.If the cross reveals Jesus as savior, the empty grave reveals Jesus as victor.If the cross paid for my sin, the empty grave means that the payment was accepted. You can have confidence that the resurrection happened.In addition to the 4 independent documents attesting to the historicity of the resurrection called "the gospels" - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We also have many eyewitness testimonies that people saw Jesus after his death.1 Corinthians 15:3-6These disciples suddenly and sincerely came to believe that Jesus was risen from the dead, despite there being no benefit to them believing it. Two Biblical authors, James and Jude, believed their brother Jesus was God. What would it take for you to believe your sibling was God? The stone was rolled away, not to let Jesus out, but to let us in—so we could see that what He said is true. Shortly before Jesus' death and resurrection, He made one of His boldest declarations.John 14:6 NLT Jesus' way is unstoppable.Jesus is protecting you when He shows you His way because He is the only road that leads to life.Proverbs 14:12 NIVBottom line: You cannot get to a kingdom destination by following the culture's directions. Jesus' truth is unstoppable.Jesus is the reality check the world didn't ask for, but desperately needs. John 8:31-32 The truth that sets us free in found in only in Christ.The resurrection is the exclamation point on everything Jesus ever said.  Jesus' life is unstoppable.Jesus didn't escape death; He conquered it. John 11:25-26 Your story doesn't have to end in despair, defeat, or death. In Christ, your story ends in resurrection. Jesus doesn't only offer you a better life; He offers you eternal life. If you're feeling lost—He's the Way. If you're questioning what's real—He's the Truth. If you're barely hanging on—He's the Life. This is Easter.When the devil said "checkmate," God said, "The King has one more move."Jesus is the Way that can't be blocked, the Truth that can't be silenced, and the Life that can't be killed.  Is Jesus your way, your truth, and your life?

Believing leads to belongingActs 2:47 (NKJV) - And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.Ephesians 1:22–23 (MSG) - He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center ofall this, Christ rules the church. 23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world isperipheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fillseverything with his presence.If you believe…you will seeJohn 3:3–7 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see theKingdom of God.” 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spirituallife. 7 So don't be surprised when I say, ‘You mustJohn 20:26–29 (MSG) - Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas waswith them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” 27Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your handand stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe.” 28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!” 29 Jesussaid, “So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store forthose who believe without seeing.”

Believing leads to belongingActs 2:47 (NKJV) - And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.Ephesians 1:22–23 (MSG) - He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center ofall this, Christ rules the church. 23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world isperipheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fillseverything with his presence.If you believe…you will seeJohn 3:3–7 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see theKingdom of God.” 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spirituallife. 7 So don't be surprised when I say, ‘You mustJohn 20:26–29 (MSG) - Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas waswith them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” 27Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your handand stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe.” 28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!” 29 Jesussaid, “So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store forthose who believe without seeing.”

“For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! ” (Psalm 34:20 NLT) Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross made eternal life possible. It’s the greatest gift ever offered. And God wanted to make sure that people recognized the gift for what it was. So even in the most agonizing moments of Jesus’ sacrifice, He continued to fulfill prophecies about His death that had been made hundreds of years earlier. Isaiah 53:12 predicted that Jesus would be put to death alongside criminals. “I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels” (NLT). Mark 15:27 says, “Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left” (NLT). In Luke’s account of the crucifixion, one of the revolutionaries taunted Jesus. The other defended Him. “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:42–43 NLT). In Exodus 12:46, God gave Moses and Aaron instructions for the first Passover. “Each Passover lamb must be eaten in one house. Do not carry any of its meat outside, and do not break any of its bones” (NLT). The verse from Psalm 34 above turns those instructions into prophecy. Jesus was our sacrificial lamb. When John the Baptist saw Him, he said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NLT). Psalm 34:20 predicted that the Lamb of God’s bones would not be broken. To understand the significance of this prophecy, you have to know a little about crucifixion. Most people who were crucified died of suffocation. The position of their bodies on the cross restricted their lungs and made it hard to catch their breath. They had to push themselves up with their feet, which were nailed to the cross, to take a breath. If a crucifixion took too long, the Roman soldiers would break the person’s legs so that he couldn’t push up anymore. That’s what almost happened to Jesus. John 19:33 says, “But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs” (NLT). Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear. And “immediately blood and water flowed out” (verse 34 NLT). The water was likely fluid that had built up around Jesus’ heart and lungs. The piercing of the spear confirmed that Jesus was dead. It also confirmed that God works in amazing ways. In Zechariah 12:10, which was written hundreds of years before Jesus’ crucifixion, God says, “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died” (NLT). The biblical account of Jesus’ crucifixion is unflinching. Our sin made it necessary for Jesus to suffer as no one else has ever suffered. And the Bible pulls no punches in recording His suffering. But even the smallest details of the story reveal the perfection of God’s plan. He caused all things to work together for good, and He made eternal life possible. Reflection question: How can you honor God’s perfect plan of salvation in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, ‘My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.’” (Matthew 26:42 NLT) Jesus’ last stop before His arrest was the Garden of Gethsemane. The garden was located on a slope of the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. When the events of Jesus’ arrest took place, the garden was likely an olive grove surrounded by walls. Some scholars believe it was owned by a wealthy follower of Jesus who allowed Him and His disciples to use it when they were in Jerusalem. Jesus likely chose this familiar spot because He felt the enormity of what was about to happen. The sins of every person who ever lived—and every person who ever will live—were about to be placed on Him. He was about to face God’s full wrath—alone. He was about to suffer as no one had ever suffered. He needed a place to pray, to spend time with His heavenly Father before He endured His Father’s punishment. All the disciples except Judas Iscariot accompanied Him to Gethsemane (although Judas would show up soon enough). At some point, Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to go with Him to a remote part of the garden. He asked them to keep watch so that He wouldn’t be interrupted while He prayed. But even that simple request proved to be too difficult for them. Three times during His three-hour prayer session, Jesus returned to His trio of “watchers.” Three times He found them all asleep. The Bible’s description of Jesus’ prayer time makes it clear that His suffering started long before He was tortured and crucified. Hebrews 5:7 says, “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death” (NLT). Luke 22:44 says, “He was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (NLT). Jesus begged His heavenly Father to take the cup of suffering from Him. He wanted to know if there was another way for God’s plan of salvation to be fulfilled. God heard Jesus’ prayers. He sent an angel to comfort and strengthen Him (see Luke 22:43). And then He said no to His Son’s request. There was no other way. Jesus was the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Him (see John 14:6). His Father’s answer was all Jesus needed. “I want your will to be done, not mine,” He said (Luke 22:42 NLT). Submitting to God’s will renewed His strength and sense of purpose. That’s why, in the chaos that followed, Jesus was the calmest person in the garden. He knew He was doing God’s will. Refreshed and ready for what lay ahead, Jesus woke His sleepy friends and went out to meet the men who had come to arrest and kill Him. But in those hours in the garden, He revealed three life-changing truths about prayer. One, talking to God gives us the strength, courage, wisdom, and comfort we need to face any situation. Two, God sometimes says no because He has something else planned for us. Three, “Your will be done” is the perfect way to end every conversation with our heavenly Father. Reflection question: What important truths about prayer do you see in the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.” (Matthew 21:8 NLT) Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the Passover celebration on a donkey, as a king would. And that’s how the crowd treated Him when He arrived—as a king. Jesus accepted their praise and worship, something He rarely did during His earthly ministry. Matthew 12 tells the story of Jesus healing many sick people. “But he warned them not to reveal who he was” (verse 16 NLT). And in Matthew 16, after Jesus commended Peter for declaring Him to be “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (verse 16 NLT), we find this statement: “Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah” (verse 20 NLT). Jesus issued no such warnings before He entered Jerusalem. He wanted everyone to know that He was the Messiah, the King they had been waiting for. He understood that the people’s excitement was misguided. The crowds weren’t praising Him because He came to save the world from God’s punishment for sin. They cheered because they believed He was going to free them from Roman control (and taxes). The people who lined the streets with palm branches and welcomed Jesus with open arms didn’t know that His actual mission was infinitely and eternally more important and more valuable than the military skirmish they envisioned. So days later, when their narrow-minded expectations were still unmet, their cheers turned to cries for His death. Their “Hosanna!” turned to “Crucify Him!” The people who hailed Him as a hero denounced Him as a fraud. It’s interesting to note that the Romans, the ones who had the most to lose if Jesus had turned out to be the Messiah the Jewish people expected, apparently didn’t see His triumphant entry as a threat. Nowhere in the Gospels is there a reaction to Jesus’ arrival by Roman officials or soldiers. The Roman military was stationed in Jerusalem to prevent rebellion. But they didn’t see Jesus or the crowds who gathered to greet Him as dangerous rebels. As far as Rome was concerned, the event was just a bunch of unarmed peasants waving broken tree branches to greet a local rabbi who was sitting on some old clothes as he rode a donkey. Hardly the type of movement that could disrupt an empire. Or so they thought. The Jewish religious leaders, on the other hand, saw an enormous threat. They received loud and clear the message Jesus communicated with His triumphant entry into Jerusalem: The Messiah had come. The religious leaders had tried to rid themselves of Jesus since the earliest days of His ministry. But because His work had not been completed, they were helpless to do anything. With Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, they faced another problem: His popularity with the crowd. As long as He had the people’s support, the leaders could do nothing to Him. So they bided their time and worked to undermine Him in the eyes of the people. And because their plans aligned with God’s plan, they succeeded. The Hero of Palm Sunday would be Public Enemy #1 by Good Friday. Jesus knew what was coming. Yet He willingly faced rejection—and much worse—to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. Reflection question: What preconceptions about Jesus can get in the way of sharing the truth about Him today? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor John Keating The author of Hebrews was writing to a group of Christians who had converted from Judaism. The entire book of Hebrews aims to encourage discouraged Christians. In these chapters, the author draws upon their Jewish experiences by referring to Jesus as their compassionate and helpful High Priest.  Hebrews 5:4-5a, 7-9 (NLT)- Jesus's role in our lives is not limited to the one who brought us Salvation.- Because of His sacrifice, He is qualified to be this High Priest on our behalf before God! - A High Priest in a Jewish community would spend time reading the Torah, sharing stories of their Jewish heritage, and explaining or answering questions about passages of the Torah people didn't understand.  This relationship with the High Priest was intended to be intentional and ongoing and help people grow in their understanding of who God was. - The author reminds Christians that their relationship with Jesus should be intentional and ongoing!  If you have a daily relationship with someone, you know them, experience them, and value them! The encouragement is to see Jesus as the High Priest with us daily, be intimate in prayer, and appreciate Him so much that we are compelled to know Him better! Doing this could transform our lives… but we get this warning of reality!!! Hebrews 5:11 (NLT)- Airplane Christian- Romans 10:17 (NLT) Hebrews 5:12-6:3 (NLT)- This is for seasoned Christians- Baby Christians vs. Maturity- Pastor isn't feeding me…- Feed Yourself.- Psalm 34:8 (NLT)How mature is your faith?  What level of influence does Christ have on you?- Imitation of Christ Hebrews 7:26-28 (NLT)

“O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past.” (Psalm 78:1–2 NLT) Jesus’ twelve disciples had front-row seats to the most amazing three years in human history—the years of Jesus’ public ministry. They witnessed miracles that defied explanation. They heard the most profound truths ever spoken. They experienced life with the Son of God. They had access to the wisdom of the ages. But it wasn’t all fish and loaves. Discipleship had its challenges, too. The constant crowd control. The sneering contempt of the Jewish religious establishment. The threat of arrest by Roman authorities. One of the biggest challenges, though, had to be understanding Jesus’ parables. Often the disciples were the liaisons between Jesus and the people who came to hear Him speak. After one of His sermons or teaching sessions, those who couldn’t talk to Jesus Himself sought out His disciples. And it’s likely that one of the most frequently asked questions they fielded was, “What did Jesus mean by that parable?” That may explain why, in Matthew 13:10, they asked Him the question that many people still ask today: “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” (NLT). So why did Jesus speak in parables? You can make the case that He understood the power of imagery and analogy. The story of a wayward son, a lost coin, or even a mustard seed is more memorable than a three-point presentation. You can make the case that He wanted to open the eyes of His followers and help them see the world around them in a different way. To help them understand that there are spiritual truths to be found everywhere, even in things as mundane as a lost sheep or a barren fig tree. Or you can search Jesus’ reply in Matthew 13:10–17. Jesus spoke in parables to give people with a spiritual hunger something to feed on—and to make it harder for those whose ears had grown dull—and whose hearts had grown hard—to understand His message. But there’s another truth we can’t overlook. Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 78. That’s why we read these words in Matthew 13:35: “This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: ‘I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world’” (NLT). The more Jesus obscured certain parts of His message, the more clearly He revealed His identity. Anyone who had searched Scripture for prophecies of the Anointed One would have picked up on Jesus’ use of parables. And it stands to reason that those same people would have had “the ears to hear” the spiritual wisdom in those parables. That’s who Jesus was targeting. He spoke in parables because He wanted people to recognize Him as the Messiah. Jesus’ principal adversaries were looking for a different kind of Messiah. They were looking for someone who would support their religious system and their chosen way of living, someone who would cater to their whims and conform to their wishes. A lot of people today want Jesus, but they want Him on their own terms. They want the kind of Jesus who will not challenge them. So they do nothing to meet the living Savior. Don’t make that mistake. Embrace the challenge that Jesus offers. There is life in His words. Reflection question: Which of Jesus’ parables speaks most loudly to you and why? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we stay grounded in an anxious political climate?   Leadership anxiety expert Steve Cuss joins the Good Faith Podcast to help us navigate Trump's turbulent second term without becoming overwhelmed. We explore how chronic anxiety spreads through reactivity, why political leaders and their followers often amplify fear through straw man arguments, and how we can break free from the cycle. Drawing from his experience as a trauma chaplain and beyond, Steve shares practical tools for maintaining spiritual and emotional balance. If political division is making your mind race, heart pound, or body tense, Steve offers wisdom and encouragement to help you find calm and clarity in the chaos.   Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org   Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org   Resources or references mentioned in this episode: Frederick Buechner's Whistling in the Dark The Evangelical vote in 2024 The Los Angeles Times: Is Donald Trump a new King David? “Remember the Lord” from Proverbs 3:6-16 GNT Jacob's assurance from Genesis 28 NLT  Jesus' trial before Pilate John 18:28-40 NLT Paul's trials before Festus and Felix Acts 24-26 NLT Jesus calls Herod a “fox” Luke 13:31-32 NLT Freedom to love others Galatians 5:13 More about Gregory Boyle More From Steve Cuss: Steve's podcast Being Human Steve's book Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs Steve's book The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space between Our Beliefs and Experience of God Steve's website (free access to the Life Giving List and Conscious List of Relationships) Register for the Illuminate Arts & Faith Conference   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter

Message for 02/16/2025 "Because He Is I Am" by Madison Tompkins. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Hebrews 1:3 (NLT) The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. Luke 8:24-25 (NLT) 24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we're going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” I am… The Bread of Life The Light of the World The Door The Good Shepherd The Resurrection and Life The Way, the Truth, and the Life The Vine Jesus is the Bread of Life John 6:48-51 (NLT) Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” Because He is the Bread of Life I am always secure. Jesus is the Light of the World John 9:1-7 (NLT) As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam”(Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing! Because He's the Light of the World I am not in the dark. Jesus is the Door John 10:7-10 (ESV) So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Because He is the Door I am safe Jesus is the Good Shepherd John 10:11-15 (ESV) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. Because He's the Good Shepherd, I am valued, known, and fought for. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life John 11:25-26 (ESV) 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Because He is the Resurrection and the Life I am full of hope. Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life John 14:6 (NLT) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Because He's the way, truth, and life, I'm exclusive. Jesus is the True Vine John 15:1-5 (NLT) I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Because He's the True Vine I am Helpless without Him Philippians 3:7-8 (NLT) I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.

“Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’” (John 20:29 NLT) Jesus’ followers had seen Him turn water to wine. They’d seen Him heal the sick, the deaf, the blind, the disabled, and the demon possessed. They’d seen Him feed 5,000 people with five small loaves of bread and two fish. They’d seen Him calm a storm at sea. They’d seen Him raise Lazarus from the dead. They’d heard Him explain countless times that He had to die but that He would return. Yet it doesn’t seem to have occurred to any of them that He would rise from the dead. Mary Magdalene visited Jesus’ tomb very early on the Sunday morning after the Sabbath. Her plan was to anoint Jesus’ corpse with more spices. When she saw that the heavy stone in front of the tomb had been rolled away, she suspected that His body had been moved. She found Simon Peter and John and told them. The two disciples ran to the tomb. John, the younger one, got there first but stopped outside. Simon Peter, the bolder one, ran inside. The two of them saw Jesus’ grave clothes—but not His body. Suddenly the truth dawned on John. “He saw and believed—for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead” (verses 8b–9). The two disciples returned home without telling Mary Magdalene what they had seen. She stayed at the tomb, crying. But when she looked inside, she saw two angels sitting where Jesus’ body had been. And when she turned around, she saw what she thought was a gardener. She asked him where they had taken Jesus’ body. “Mary!” the man said in verse 16. That one word was all she needed to recognize Jesus’ voice. That evening, all but one of Jesus’ disciples met together. Only Thomas was missing. Apparently, they sensed the targets on their backs because they met behind locked doors. Suddenly the risen Jesus appeared to them. He showed them His wounds to prove that He had, in fact, died. Naturally, the disciples were overjoyed to be in His presence again. But Thomas wasn’t overjoyed when they told him about it later. For him, the news was too good to be true. “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side” (verse 25). Eight days later, the disciples met again behind locked doors. This time, Thomas was with them. Suddenly Jesus appeared again. “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’” (verse 27). He gave Thomas the evidence he needed to believe. Thomas and the other disciples had an essential ministry ahead of them. They would tell the world what they’d seen Jesus do and what they’d heard Him say so that others, who hadn’t seen or heard Him, might believe. Jesus ensured that His followers had what they needed to carry out their assignment. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” (John 17:20 NLT) Jesus and His disciples were together for about three years. There’s no telling how many times they prayed together during that time. In John 17, He prays with them for one of the last times before His arrest. There are three parts to His prayer. In verses 1–5, Jesus prays for Himself. He was facing unimaginable suffering. He was about to take the punishment for the world’s sins. He was about to experience His Father’s perfect wrath. That explains why Jesus wanted to confirm the connection between them. “Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you” (verse 1 NLT). Jesus was ready to complete God’s mission. To finish the work of salvation. To make eternal life possible. When we picture eternity, we may think of heavenly streets of gold and angels praising God. But Jesus said eternal life is “to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth” (verse 3 NLT). Jesus also revealed the primary purpose for His saving work: to glorify God. And if we follow Him, that should be our primary purpose too. The apostle Paul wrote, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT). Everything we do, from the biggest moments of our lives to the smallest daily decisions, is an opportunity to give glory to God. That’s what we were created to do. And that’s where we find genuine fulfillment and joy. In verses 6–19, Jesus prays for His disciples. Those men would face the consequences of their discipleship. All but one, John, would follow Jesus to their deaths at the hands of their enemies. But they were equipped for battle. Jesus said, “Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world” (verse 18 NLT). Jesus asked God to protect them—not only from the persecution to come but also from spiritual doubt and despair. Jesus would no longer be around to encourage them and lift their spirits. He wanted to make sure they were prepared for what lay ahead. The key to spiritual well-being is joy. Jesus prayed, “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy” (verse 13 NLT). If your joy has diminished, ask God to restore it, as the psalmist did in Psalm 51:8. In Matthew 21:22, Jesus says, “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it” (NLT). God wants to ignite the spark of joy within you so that you can see the world from His perspective. In verses 20–26, Jesus prays for all believers. His chief request is that we remain unified. There’s strength in numbers. If we can trust that our fellow believers are allies, our ministry benefits. Unity is also a way of identifying believers. God wants unbelievers to see the closeness that exists among us. That can be a powerful draw for some. Our mission is to communicate God’s love to the world. Unity is one of the most powerful tools we have to accomplish it. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bible Reading: Psalm 94:18-19; John 14:27BUZZ! Omari jumped as the timer went off. Mrs. Mary collected the tests. Omari's tummy rumbled, but this time he wasn't hungry. His mom told him that when he felt the nerve worm he should take deep breaths, so he did. But the wormy feelings returned on the bus ride home.As soon as Omari got home, he started to cry. His mom stopped preparing dinner and walked over to him. "Oh, sweetheart, what's the matter?" she asked, rubbing his back."I-it's t-the worms," cried Omari."Did you have another math test?" asked Mom."Yes, and I forgot a lot of the answers!"Mom continued to rub his back, and she pointed at their puppy. Buddy was chasing his tail. He spun in circles, then tripped and thudded to the floor. Mom giggled. "Oh, Buddy, not again."Buddy whimpered, and Mom went over to pet him. She raised an eyebrow. "Did you see what Buddy did after he fell?"Omari nodded. "He called out for help.""Right," said Mom. "Then I went over to comfort and calm him. Do you know who else notices when we're in trouble? Jesus. Our situations might cause us to feel scared or anxious, but when we call out, He hears us." Mom pulled up Isaiah 41:10 on the Bible app on her phone. "He says, 'Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.'"A soft grin appeared on Omari's face. Then he sighed. "What if I'm still nervous and forget the answers again?" "When Jesus says He will be our help, that doesn't mean He will snap His fingers and make all our problems disappear. But, just like when I calmed Buddy, God will give us peace and comfort to make it through hard times." Mom gently squeezed his hand. "And when you take your next test, remember that Jesus loves you so much that He even died on a cross to save you! He won't leave you when you have the nerve worm." She tickled his tummy, and they giggled. –Toria KeyesHow About You?Do the situations you encounter in life ever make you feel nervous or anxious? Before Jesus died to save us, He promised that He'd leave us with peace. We don't have to be troubled or afraid because He assures us that He will always be with us. No matter what your worry is, you can call on Him to give you comfort and peace. What are you worried about today? How can you remind yourself that God is there with you?Today's Key Verse:Don't be afraid, for I am with you…I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (NLT) (Jesus helps us in life's troubles)Today's Key Thought:Isaiah 41:10

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” (John 15:18 NLT) Jesus has already instructed His followers to love one another, to stay connected to Him (the true vine), and to produce fruit in the world. Now He wants us to understand that doing those things will cost us dearly. In fact, people will hate us and persecute us for them. We shouldn’t be surprised by it. We shouldn’t try to avoid it. We couldn’t if we tried anyway. There’s no safe path for followers of Christ. It’s not a matter of if the world will hate us; it’s only a matter of when. Our best strategy is to anticipate and prepare for it. But that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Hate isn’t such a big deal when it’s used to describe a reaction to cauliflower or mosquitoes. But when someone talks about hating a person, it is a big deal. And when that person is you, it’s a really big deal. But our relationship with Christ is an infinitely bigger deal. And if hatred is the result, it’s a small price to pay. Especially when we consider what Jesus sacrificed for us. The world’s hatred shows itself in different ways. Maybe you’ve been mocked by friends because you no longer join them in certain activities. Maybe you’ve been the target of online attacks accusing you of intolerance. Maybe you’ve had your job threatened because you refused to compromise your beliefs. The aim is to silence us—or at least quiet us. To marginalize us. To make us look like radical extremists. To get us to compromise—to meet our enemies halfway. But we can’t do that. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless” (Matthew 5:13 NLT). Ultimately, the enemies of our faith don’t hate us for our political affiliation or our stand on social issues. They hate us because we follow Christ. And they hate Him. So there’s something to celebrate in being hated. It means people identify us with Christ. They see Him in us. It tells us we’re doing something right. Jesus does more than warn us about being hated. He promises that the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, will face down the hatred with us, giving us strength and reminding us how loved we really are. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of truth” (verse 26 NLT). The Spirit helps us recognize the lies of the world. He reminds us that if we follow Christ, we’re right, and our enemies are wrong. He reminds us that the alternative to the world’s hate is much worse than the hate itself. The alternative is compromising or abandoning our relationship with Christ. Persevering through the hate is a much better option. The hatred of the world is a good barometer of our spiritual well-being. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT) Jesus wanted His disciples to know that even though He was leaving them, their connection would never be cut. The image He used is a vine and its branches. Jesus is the true vine. His followers are the branches. You don’t have to be a master gardener to know that the branches of a vine can’t survive and thrive unless they’re connected to the vine. And we can’t survive and thrive spiritually unless we stay connected to Jesus. He gives us the spiritual nourishment we need to produce good fruit in our lives. Not all fruit is good. Jesus made that clear in His confrontations with the Jewish religious leaders. These respected men appeared to live very fruitful lives. They worked hard to seem pious. They built their reputations on fulfilling the smallest details of the law. They guarded religious traditions and attacked anyone who challenged their authority. What appeared to be fruit in their lives, however, was rotten. It wasn’t nourished by the true vine. Jesus said, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’” (Matthew 15:7–8 NLT). The religious leaders wanted people to think that they were close to God, but their hearts were disconnected from Him. Somewhere along the way, they became more concerned about looking like they were producing spiritual fruit than actually producing it. What they didn’t realize is that we can’t grow spiritual fruit on our own. All we can do is stay connected to the true vine. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me” (verse 4 NLT). Spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, quiet times, and sharing our faith keep us connected to Jesus. If we make them part of our daily routine, we will see spiritual fruit grow. An amazing thing happens when we start to bear spiritual fruit. Jesus said, “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” (verses 1–2 NLT). God created us. He knows what we’re capable of producing. He can see the areas where we’re blossoming. And He can see the areas where growth and yield aren’t happening. If we stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, God will help us cut away the unproductive areas of our lives, the things that keep us from producing even more fruit. God, the Master Gardener, will help us increase our spiritual yield. That, in turn, will draw us closer to Jesus. And the cycle continues. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, ‘Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!’” (John 12:12–13 NLT) Jesus returned to Bethany to attend a supper celebrating the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection. But even as Jesus and His friends celebrated life, the specter of death hung in the air, although Jesus was the only one who realized it. John tells us the supper took place six days before the Passover. In other words, about a week before Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus knew full well what awaited Him in Jerusalem. He was always aware of God’s timetable for Him. For years, He had said, “My time has not yet come.” But now His time had come. Unimaginable agony awaited Him. Still, He took the time to celebrate with His friends, just as He had mourned with them when Lazarus died. During the supper, Lazarus’ sister Mary presented Jesus with an extraordinary gift and act of humble service. In the culture of that time, it was customary for hosts to wash the feet of their guests with water and anoint them with a drop of scented oil. Mary took that custom to the next level. She used a 12-ounce jar of very expensive perfume to wash Jesus’ feet. (By one estimate, the cost of that 12-ounce jar of perfume was equal to a year’s salary.) After she washed his feet, she let down her hair, something Jewish women of that era rarely did in public. She then used her hair to dry Jesus’ feet. She sacrificed her possessions and her pride to honor Jesus. Her act of service and humility left everyone in the room stunned. And left the room smelling amazing, no doubt. But the stunned silence didn’t last long. Judas Iscariot—the disciple who was about to betray Jesus—complained that Mary should have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor. But don’t get the wrong idea about him. He didn’t care about the poor. He served as treasurer for Jesus and the disciples. He managed the money donated by Jesus’ supporters. He also was a thief who skimmed coins from the treasury. He was probably upset that he didn’t have a chance to “broker” the exchange of funds between Mary and the poor. Jesus was quick to defend Mary. “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (verses 7–8 NLT). He accepted her humble sacrifice in the spirit in which she intended it. Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, the chief priests were plotting to kill not just Jesus but Lazarus too. Many of them were Sadducees, who taught that there was no resurrection. Lazarus’ return to life was an embarrassment to them, and they wanted to eliminate the evidence of it. When Jesus set out for Jerusalem, news of His coming spread fast. Just as His enemies had feared, people wanted to see the One who had power over death. Crowds lined the streets and waved palm branches because they believed they were welcoming their king. Finally, they had a Messiah who would lead a revolt against Rome. Or so they thought. In that sense, they were like people today who embrace Jesus when they think He can advance their agenda. These people use the parts of His message that coincide with their own aims and conveniently ignore the rest. But when those crowds who welcomed Him into Jerusalem learned once and for all what His agenda really involved—and what He really expected from His followers—they didn’t just abandon Him. They angrily demanded His execution. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Then he said, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.’” (John 11:11 NLT) Jesus left Judea because the Jewish religious leaders there were plotting to kill Him. He wasn’t afraid of death; He just knew that the time for it had not yet come. Then He got a message that prompted Him to return. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha were siblings who lived in the Judean village of Bethany. All three were followers and friends of Jesus. When Lazarus got sick, Mary and Martha sent word to the Lord. That set the stage for one of Jesus’ most remarkable miracles: raising Lazarus from the dead. There are three takeaways from the story that are as important today as they were 2,000 ago. First, the Lord’s timing is perfect. Jesus could have rushed to Bethany and saved Lazarus on his deathbed. But the impact wouldn’t have been nearly as great. So Jesus waited. And neither His disciples nor Mary and Martha could understand why. The right thing to do—and the right time to do it—seemed obvious to them. But they couldn’t see the big picture. That’s why it’s important for us to pray for God to work in His way and in His time. Second, Jesus empathizes with us. Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus “faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (NLT). He also experienced all the same emotions we do. He laughed. He celebrated. He got angry. And He cried. He knew better than anyone else how Lazarus’ story was going to end. But when He saw the people mourning, He joined them. He hurt because others hurt. That’s why He’s able to comfort us so effectively. He knows not only how we feel but also how our story will end. He knows when our tears will dry and what good will ultimately come from the situation. And He gives us the opportunity to show the same kind of empathy and love to other hurting people. Third, nothing is beyond the Lord’s power. Martha and Mary each showed a strong faith in Jesus. Both said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died” (verses 21, 32 NLT). But in their words, they also limited the scope of what they believed Jesus could accomplish. Yes, He had the power to heal Lazarus’ sickness. And yes, He had the power to raise Lazarus in the next life. But it didn’t occur to them that He could still raise Lazarus in this life. Lazarus’ walk out of the tomb opened a world of possibilities for everyone who trusts Jesus. If He can give life to a corpse after four days, He can change the most stubborn mind. He can soften the hardest heart. He can cure spiritual darkness. He can reconcile the most unlikely people. He can ease the most intense fears. He can heal the most distraught mourners. He can bring something good from the worst circumstances. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“‘I don’t know whether he is a sinner,’ the man replied. ‘But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!’” (John 9:25 NLT) Jesus and His disciples encountered a man who had been blind his entire life. The disciples asked the Lord, “Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” (verse 2 NLT). That may seem like an odd question about someone who had been blind since birth. But some Jewish people believed that it was possible for unborn babies to sin in the womb. Whatever prompted their question, for the disciples, the man’s blindness was an abstract theological puzzle. They had no real compassion for him. They lacked humility, empathy, and concern. Jesus did not. He explained that the man’s blindness wasn’t the result of his or his parents’ sin. In fact, the man’s blindness gave God an opportunity to work in his life in a way that sighted people would never experience. The apostle Paul makes a similar point in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul had some kind of disability or affliction that hindered his work. He called it a “thorn in my flesh.” Three times he asked God to remove it from him. And three times God said no. “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). Our flaws and weaknesses can bring us closer to God if we look at them from the right perspective. They remind us that we need Him. They encourage us to depend on Him. Jesus showed the power of God in the man’s life in a hands-on way. The man’s blindness wasn’t an abstract theological concept to Him. He spit on the ground, made mud with His saliva, and rubbed it on the man’s eyes. He told him to wash off the mud in the pool of Siloam. And when the man did, he could see! The Light of the world led the man out of his literal darkness. You can probably guess on which day of the week the healing occurred: the Sabbath. When the Jewish leaders heard about it, they were—again—outraged. How dare Jesus ignore their religious rules to change someone’s life forever by giving him the ability to see for the first time! Some Pharisees argued that Jesus couldn’t possibly have been sent by God because He worked on the Sabbath. (The man may have been healed of his physical blindness, but their spiritual blindness was still a huge obstacle.) Other Pharisees rightly argued that an ordinary sinner couldn’t perform such a miraculous healing. Things got so absurd that the religious leaders sent for the man’s parents and tried to get them to admit that their son hadn’t been blind at all. The parents carefully avoided the matter. They had been told that anyone who even suggested that Jesus was the Messiah would be kicked out of the synagogue. So the leaders again sent for the formerly blind man. They tried to get him to admit that he’d been healed by an ordinary sinner and not the Messiah. “If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it,” the man replied in verse 33 (NLT). The outraged religious leaders threw him out of the synagogue. Their unwillingness to see Jesus for who He really was clouded their judgment in practically every other area of their lives. They couldn’t see—or admit—the obvious. Their pride kept them in spiritual darkness. They had no interest in the light. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.” (John 5:36 NLT) Jesus returned to Jerusalem to observe the holy days at the temple. While He was there, He passed the pool of Bethesda, a place of hope and despair. The waters of the pool seem to have had a healing effect. Many people believed that an angel occasionally came down to stir the waters. And the first person who entered the pool after the waters had been stirred would be cured of their ailment. That explains why crowds of sick, blind, disabled, and paralyzed people gathered on the five porches that surrounded the pool. They each hoped for a miraculous healing. One man had been disabled for 38 years. But since he had no one to help him into the water, he had no hope for healing. Or so he thought. With one sentence in verse 8—“Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” (NLT)—Jesus changed his life forever. The man was healed instantly. He picked up his mat and walked away. Only to be busted moments later by the Jewish religious leaders. It turns out that the healing had taken place on the Sabbath. And in Jewish culture, there were all kinds of rules about what people could and couldn’t do on the Sabbath. So when the religious leaders saw this man who had been disabled for four decades suddenly walking, the first thing they wanted to know was . . . why he was carrying a mat on the Sabbath. And when the man identified Jesus as the One who had healed him, the Sabbath police went after Him. They didn’t express awe over Jesus’ healing power. They didn’t praise Him for His compassion and concern. Instead, they harassed Him for breaking their Sabbath rules. These hypocritical religious leaders, with their misplaced priorities, were so concerned about Jesus’ growing influence that they started looking for reasons to have Him put to death. Jesus gave them everything they needed and more. He referred to God as “My Father,” which was the same as calling Himself equal with God. He pointed out that everything He said and did had God’s blessing. That meant His words were God’s truth. He claimed the power of judgment over everyone. He made it clear that anyone who didn’t honor Him—including the Sabbath-obsessed religious leaders—didn’t honor God, who sent Him. Jesus told them that the power of eternal life rested with Him. And that He was carrying out the will of His Father. So anyone who opposed Him opposed God’s will. He reminded the religious leaders that they had taken John the Baptist seriously—and John the Baptist’s entire ministry was built on testifying that Jesus was the Son of God. And then He pointed out that the religious leaders revered Moses and his —and Moses had written about Him (Jesus) centuries before. The truth that Jesus’ enemies couldn’t wrap their heads around still gives us assurance and confidence today: Every reliable witness testifies that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.